Player ratings: Chelsea v Manchester City

Hart – No chance with the goals and worth noting that Joe had few saves to make. 6

Zabaleta – Stepped into the breach excellently. With the focus on defending, this was the kind of game to suit Pablo’s strengths. 7

Kompany – Lost his cool a few times and shouldn’t have resorted to the long ball during the first half. At his best when defending the penalty area. 6

Lescott (Dzeko 84) – Dealt well enough with Drogba. Unfortunate with the penalty as he wasn’t looking at the ball though should have kept his arms down. 7

Clichy – His least effective performance where it was apparent Gael isn’t in the top class defensively. The second booking was mistimed, but it was the first for pulling back Sturridge that was particularly needless – Gael had the pace to catch the former City man. 5

Milner – Industrious and fought hard to keep a grip in midfield. Showed his versatility by filling in at right-back for a spell. 6

Y Toure – His limitations as a defensive midfielder were horribly exposed in the opening goal. Just isn’t sharp or determined enough in tracking opponents breaking from midfield. Couldn’t keep up with the pace of the game in the second half. 5

Barry – A few trademark block challenges were Gareth’s method of stopping Chelsea’s midfield. Showed better discipline than Yaya but wasn’t able to assert himself as the game wore on. 6

Silva (De Jong 76) – Too often tried to dribble his way through and Chelsea defenders are too good for that. It was still noticeable how David’s departure left us unable to retain the ball. 6

Aguero (K Toure 64) – Started brilliantly with a fantastic assist. Should have done better with a clear chance to score our second. Became peripheral as the Chelsea midfield took a hold. 6

Balotelli – Took his goal excellently and looked a threat with his pace early on. Can’t play as a target man though and didn’t retain possession well enough after the opening 20 minutes. 6

Subs:

K Toure – Did well when he came on in fairness. 7

De Jong – Those who think Nigel is no longer needed in our more progressive tactics are mistaken. After the first twenty minutes we could have done with Nigel on the pitch. 6

Dzeko – Didn’t receieve any service.

Man of the match: Pablo Zabaleta.